Samson 'Rested' Not Dropped? Gambhir Eyes Future
Reports suggest Sanju Samson has been rested for the Zimbabwe T20I series as Gautam Gambhir prioritizes testing bench strength.
Sanju Samson's omission from India's T20I squad for the Zimbabwe tour may not be as final as it seems. While fans assumed he was dropped after poor scores, sources indicate the wicketkeeper-batter has been rested. The BCCI's squad announcement excluded Samson, with Prabhsimran Singh named as backup keeper, but no official reason was given.
According to sports journalist Vimal Kumar, Samson is among several players—including Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar—rested for the series. New head coach Gautam Gambhir is reportedly keen to evaluate IPL performers like Prince Yadav and Mayank Yadav during this tour. This suggests a strategic focus on building depth rather than a permanent exclusion for Samson.
Further supporting the rest theory, Samson remains part of India's squad for the 2026 Asian Games, alongside Ishan Kishan. Other rested players also feature in that long-term plan. However, Samson, who plays only T20Is, was recently dropped from the playing XI, leaving room for debate. The official line remains ambiguous, but the evidence points to a temporary break rather than a dismissal.